Oldest living Bears player turns 95 years young

John W. Siegal, the oldest living former Bears player, celebrates his 95th birthday today.

John W. Siegal, the oldest living former Bears player, celebrates his 95th birthday today.

An end who spent his entire five-year NFL career with the Bears from 1939-43, Siegal caught 31 passes for 637 yards and six touchdowns while appearing in 43 games with 16 starts.

The Pennsylvania native was selected to three Pro Bowls (in 1940, 1941 and 1942) and helped the Monsters of the Midway win three NFL championships (in 1940, 1941 and 1943). He played in the Bears' historic 73-0 win over the Washington Redskins in the 1940 title game.

Siegal joined the Bears the same year as his Columbia teammate, Hall of Fame quarterback Sid Luckman. In a recent interview with NFL Films, Siegal described Luckman as a "terrific passer" who was "happy to get me because I was his receiver" in college. The two connected on touchdown passes of 65 and 49 yards in 1941.

Siegal joined the Bears only after the team agreed to allow him to attend dental school during his career. He earned his degree from Northwestern and became a dentist after the 1943 season.